Pilea involucrata, also often referred to as the friendship plant, is known for its textured, deeply veined leaves and metallic colorations of bronze and silver. It is important to note that this plant is often confused with Pilea mollis, which is also referred to as a friendship plant. In this guide, we will be discussing Pilea involucrata specifically, identifiable by its ovate, opposite pairs of leaves, and unique foliage coloring. This plant is a creeping plant perfect for terrariums and it’s a pet-friendly houseplant, too.
The Pilea mollis, also known as the Moon Valley Pilea or Friendship Plant, is a fun and relatively easy houseplant to care for. With its deeply textured leaves and bold venation, it adds visual interest to any space. Here is a complete guide to caring for this unique houseplant.
Overview
The Pilea mollis is native to Central and South America. It has bright green, cupped leaves with dark coppery veins. The leaves grow up to 2 inches long. This plant stays compact, growing to about 12 inches tall at most.
While the Pilea mollis thrives in humid environments, it can tolerate average household humidity. It does best in indirect sunlight. With the right care, this houseplant will remain healthy and lush for years.
Light Requirements
The Pilea mollis does best in bright, indirect light It can tolerate a few hours of morning or late afternoon direct sun, but avoid prolonged exposure to intense midday sun
Insufficient light will cause leggy, stunted growth. Rotate the plant every few days so all sides get even light exposure. An east or west-facing window is ideal. If natural light is limited supplement with a grow light.
Watering
Water the Pilea mollis whenever the top inch or two of soil has dried out. These plants like evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
The plant’s leaves will start to droop when it needs water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot from overwatering.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. Options like coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite provide moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain. Avoid dense potting soil that compacts over time.
Temperature & Humidity
The Pilea mollis thrives in average household temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler and warmer conditions, but extremes can cause leaf damage.
These plants prefer humidity levels between 50-80%. Use a humidifier in very dry rooms. Group plants together to boost ambient humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. Reduce fertilizing in winter when growth slows.
Growth & Propagation
The Pilea mollis grows slowly, remaining under 12 inches tall. Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Propagate new plants from stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water until roots form. Then plant in soil.
Common Problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Insufficient humidity may cause brown leaf tips and margins. Increase humidity levels around the plant.
Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. Move to a spot with bright indirect light.
Tips for a Healthy Plant
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight from an east or west-facing window
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry to keep evenly moist
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Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes
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Maintain average room temperatures between 60°-80°F
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Increase humidity around plant with humidifier or grouping with other plants
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Fertilize monthly during spring through fall
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Prune leggy growth and propagate new plants from cuttings
With the proper care, the Pilea mollis will thrive for many years as a low-maintenance houseplant with unique foliage. Its compact size makes it perfect for desks and tabletops.
Water
Pilea involucrata enjoy consistent moisture and do not like to dry out. Therefore, water these plants regularly. Avoid overwatering, however, as this can lead to soggy soil and introduce root rot. To check whether or not your Pilea needs water, simply feel the soil. If the top inch or two is dry, it is time to water the plant. Allow any excess water to drain away. During the growing season, you will need to water more often. In the winter, cut back on watering.
Propagating Pilea Involucrata
Pilea involucrata is extremely easy to propagate, which contributed to the common name of this plant. Since they were so easily propagated and shared with others, people began calling them the friendship plant.
You can easily create a large collection of these plants to give away to friends by means of stem cuttings. To do this, you will need a pot with drainage holes, well-draining, loamy soil, rooting hormone, a pair of snips, and a plastic bag. Then follow these instructions:
- Choose a stem that is around three to four inches long with multiple sets of leaves. Be sure the stem has at least two nodes.
- Cut the stem with a sharp pair of clean snips. Remove the lower sets of leaves where the stem will be in the soil.
- Dip the cutting in the rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting into moistened, loamy soil and press the soil so the cutting stands upright. Just be sure the soil is not compressed to the point of being compact and hard.
- Place the plastic bag over the pot to increase the humidity.
- Set the pot in an area that receives bright, indirect lighting.
- Air out the bag daily and water the soil when it begins to dry.
- Roots should form in a few weeks. When this occurs, remove the bag and care for the plant as usual.
Pilea mollis ‘Moon Valley’ Houseplant – Complete Tutorial How to Grow Indoors
FAQ
How much light does Pilea mollis need?
In the wild Peperomia are tropical understory or forest floor plants. This means they grow best in bright shade to low light conditions.
Why are the leaves on my Pilea mollis turning brown?
mollis is sensitive to overwatering so GLG suggests initially watering when plant droops. Increase frequency from there based on your household conditions. Overwatering = Yellowing, wilted leaves. Underwatering = Wilted leaves, stunted growth, & faded, crispy brown leaves.
How do you care for a Pilea plant indoors?
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. …
- Pilea plants are sensitive to fluoride, which is commonly found in tap water. …
- Provide your Pilea with bright, indirect light. …
- Keep the leaves clean. …
- Keep the humidity high. …
- Fertilise regularly. …
- Prune, if needed. …
- Repot as needed.
Is Pilea mollis toxic to dogs?
Veterinarians give Pilea mollis the green light for homes with dogs. The consensus is clear: no toxic threats here. Even so, moderation is key—ingestion of large quantities could lead to an upset stomach, a rare but possible scenario.
How to take care of Pilea mollis?
Pilea plants grow on rainforest floors where the plants receive dappled, filtered light but are protected from harsh, direct sun rays. Therefore, be sure to keep your friendship plant out of the direct sun, as this will burn the leaves. Place it in an area where it will receive bright, indirect light.
What kind of soil do Pilea mollis like?
Pilea mollis does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage.